Archie Comics announced a relaunch and rebranding of its superhero imprint Red Circle Comics.  The rechristened Dark Circle Comics will announce new titles later this month, ahead of San Diego Comic Con.
 
Archie promises a new direction for the imprint, described as a more mature, cinematic use of the characters under the guidance of Dark Circle Comics’ recently appointed Editor Alex Segura (see "Alex Segura Returns to Archie").  Plans include opening up the genres to crime, superhero, and off the wall action, and dropping the all-ages content rating.
 
Archie’s Publisher and Co-CEO Jon Goldwater hinted at the changes coming to Red Circle in his March interview with ICv2 (see "Archie's Jon Goldwater: The ICv2 Interview"), including mention of IP library characters Hangman, Black Hood, The Jaguar,  and Shield.  In the interview Goldwater also mentioned that Segura would be working closely with recently appointed Chief Creative Officer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (see "Archie Appoints New CCO").
 
"These will be creator-driven books telling new, genre bending stories with some of the best characters in comics," said Segura. "They’ll be more akin to cable television shows like Boardwalk Empire, True Detective and Orange is the New Black."